Cosmetic Surgery: Truths and… lies

Dr. Stavrou, Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine in the U.K., states that a great deal of the information available on cosmetic surgery is inaccurate and could mislead you. As a well known, established plastic surgeon himself, he would like to inform you of some of the facts and myths associated with cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery can fix anything. This is a widely held myth. Cosmetic surgery is able to correct many problems but it depends on your individual genetic composition. Dr. Stavrou, (or any other surgeon), will try to give you the best results possible.

Cosmetic surgeons make terrible errors. This is not at all true, millions of procedures are performed yearly and the success rate is high. Surgeons are highly trained and with new cutting edge technology, procedures are safer and more efficient. Surgeries that took hours can now be completed in minutes, recovery time is reduced and healing is faster.

Plastic surgery is only for celebrities. Another myth, this group consists of only 1% of the population. The cosmetic surgery field is thriving because of people like you. Procedures are now affordable, payment options can be arranged, so the average person can enhance their looks as well as the rich and famous.

Cosmetic surgery is only for women. Although women make up the larger percentage of clientele, men are now enjoying the results of corrective procedures. In particular, liposuction, dermal fillers and laser treatments.

Annual follow up procedures are necessary. Most procedures are performed once only. Occasionally, breast enhancements may need tweaking i.e. to change the implant size or to fix post-op sagging.

Final comments: You can now correct scars you have suffered with for years, or correct physical defects. Cosmetic surgery allows you to improve your appearance and feel better about yourself. Whether you opt for breast enhancement, facial rejuvenation or something else, Dr. Stavrou has years of experience and training to help you achieve your dream look.

Further points to research before leaving home:

What are the local standards of anesthesia and nursing care? What credentials are held and what are the standards of these?

Is there a fully licensed, modern care hospital close by in the case of complications after the procedure?

Do key personnel at the surgeon’s office and in the surgery speak English fluently?

Make sure you understand the risks associated with your surgery, as well as requirements for a safe recovery?

Ask about the surgeon’s insurance and what insurance covers any complications following the procedure?

It is important to know what the local laws are regarding medical malpractice.

Ensure that your surgeon will provide post-operative care and advice.

Finally, you should make some research when considering cosmetic procedures abroad. You should remember that, in addition to the actual cost of the surgery, there are the added costs of air fares, hotel, transportation and possibly after-care, depending on how extensive your procedure is. Countries like Cyprus, which are at the same time a great location to combine for holidays, most of the times cost less to do your procedure rather done rather domestically. Cover all angles to ensure you are not unpleasantly surprised.